Tainted Tides

Chapter 2

AN-TW at bottom

*Dec's POV*

I woke up filled with self-loathe. If I wasn't sure about me not belonging here already, my conversation with the cabin boy last night had definitely done the trick. Some kid who didn't know what this trip is for, called me out for not having a plan, and he was right. Who am I kidding? I wasn't there leading the ship because I was some seasoned veteran. I was there because... well... nepotism, I guess...

I walked across my room as sweat formed due to my rising panic.

I don't deserve to be here.

I got dressed, trying to control myself from hyperventilating.

I don't have a plan

With a loud gulp, I stepped out of my room to see my crew starting to get to work after breakfast.

But I'm here. And I have to deal with it. I have to make it work.

I walked to the kitchen to get my breakfast and made my way to the bow of the ship. Leaning with my back against the rail and enjoying the gentle salty sea breeze, I picked at my stale bread and my slightly mushy apple chunks and sighed. This really was as good as it would get, which is to say, it wouldn't be getting any better no matter how much I prayed.

Although this was better than being stuck at home.

As I watched my crew all begin to work, I finished my meal. I approached the railing overlooking the main deck and observed my men carefully. Watching their erratic movements, their cohesion tearing at the seams, and their annoyance was palpable. Morale boosting was just about the only thing I was sure of my skill in. With a deep breath I curled my fist into a ball and rhythmically started pounding it on the rail. Once I'd gotten everyone's attention, I began to sing.

"There once was a ship that put to sea

The name of the ship was the Billy of Tea

The winds blew up, her bow dipped down

O blow, my bully boys, blow (huh)"

My crew had instantly joined me in singing the shanty. Their motions synchronized with the beat of my fist and instantly improved their mood.

"She had not been two weeks from shore

When down on her a right whale bore

The captain called all hands and swore

He'd take that whale in tow (huh)

Soon may the Wellerman come

To bring us sugar and tea and rum (hey)

One day, when the tonguin' is done

We'll take our leave and -"

CRASH

The chorus was interrupted by a slurred yell and a loud crash of a bucket, followed by the drip of water over the deck. The whole crew halted and turned to a crevice on the deck that was just barely out of my sight. The slurred yelling continued for long enough that I simply couldn't ignore it.

Fuck

Blood surged through my veins as I walked towards the steps, the slurred yelling only getting louder and angrier.